SimpliSafe Home Security System Review (2022)

SimpliSafe is our top rated DIY home security system when it comes to our Best Home Security Systems of 2022. Not only was SimpliSafe named our Best DIY Security System, but it's also been named a top home security system on our Best Self-Monitored list, too. SimpliSafe is a one-stop-shop for all of your home security system needs including cameras, sensors, detectors, smart home integration, and professional monitoring centers ready to call for help if needed.

SimpliSafe isn't the most extensive home security system on the market, but it is a complete option for most homeowners looking to protect their home at an affordable price.

Find out more about SimpliSafe's home security packages here.

The cost of SimpliSafe varies depending on the products and professional monitoring plan you choose. But SimpliSafe offers some out-of-the-box plans that range from $245-$505, and its monthly monitoring plans vary from $0-$25 per month. You can also build your own plan with SimpliSafe equipment so you only pay for what you need.

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SimpliSafe's products can function without a service plan, but for customers looking for an added layer of security, SimpliSafe offers professional monitoring with its 24/7 monitoring centers. These monitoring plans keep your house protected with unlimited video recordings and integrations with other smart home devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You'll also have the ability to arm or disarm your alarm through SimpliSafe's mobile app, and much more. SimpliSafe offers three types of monitoring plans:

Of course, it's terrific that you receive a notification whenever a SimpliSafe security camera detects something — but what good is that notification if you don't see or hear it? SimpliSafe understands that we're not always on our phones, which is why there are six monitoring centers operating at all times.

If a sensor triggers an alarm, an alert is sent to the authorities immediately, and a SimpliSafe monitoring specialist will remain on the phone with you until help has arrived. And there are no missed alarms here, either. SimpliSafe continually sends alarm signals until one of their monitoring center's confirms they've received it.

While it's not uncommon for home security systems to alert the authorities when an alarm is triggered, only SimpliSafe can provide authorities with evidence. Monitoring specialists can view and save video footage to send to authorities as eyewitness evidence, significantly reducing response time.

SimpliSafe prides itself on its easy and simple (pun intended) installation. Regardless of which system package you choose, they're all designed to be installed in about 30 minutes with no tools or drilling required. Still looking for some help? SimpliSafe will put you in touch with one of their installation pros to do the work for you for as little as $99.

As for the individual products like the SimpliCam or Doorbell Pro, these are designed to be installed in five minutes or less. Because mostly all products and systems are wireless, all that needs to be done is to plug it in. As SimpliSafe says themselves, "Open box. Plug it in. Connect to WiFi." Yep, it really is that easy.

SimpliSafe knows how important it is for your home to be safe, so it's making it even easier to protect it by integrating with some of your other favorite smart home systems. SimpliSafe is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Watch and allows you to arm your system through these devices. It's important to note, however, that you are not able to disarm your system through any other smart device, mostly for your protection.

Although SimpliSafe offers its own lock, its systems are also compatible with August Locks. By integrating the SimpliSafe system with August Locks, you'll be able to automatically lock or unlock your doors when you arm or disarm your SimpliSafe system.

SimpliSafe offers a wide variety of sensors, cameras, and items to add to your home security package to protect you and your family from intruders, fires, carbon monoxide, and even water. Just about all of SimpliSafe's equipment can be bought by itself too.

All SimpliSafe security packages come with a keypad and a Base Station (the brains behind the system). When an alarm or sensor is triggered, it sends a signal to the Base Station, which sets off your alarm and sends you a notification. The Base Station not only comes with a 24-hour backup battery, but it's smash-proof — meaning good luck to any intruders who try to destroy it.

SimpliSafe offers an outdoor camera and indoor camera that are both great options for security cameras.

SimpliSafe's outdoor camera gives you a 140° field of view in 1080p HD video and is completely wireless. In fact, the rechargeable battery can last up to six months before needing to be recharged. And, with digital zoom and full-color vision at night, nothing goes unnoticed — including (and especially) faces and license plates from up to 15 feet away.

While the outdoor camera notifies you when it detects something of importance, you won't be getting any useless notifications from SimpliSafe. The system uses neural network processing (a fancy way of saying it uses algorithms to recognize patterns) to identify people from animals, vehicles, and other less important distractions. Most impressive, however, is the fact that SimpliSafe allows customers to create a custom activity zone, allowing you to keep an eye on certain parts of your property that matter most.

SimpliCam covers up to 120° field of vision and, like the outdoor camera, has night vision and audio. The SimpliCam also comes with an optional recording plan so that you can record, save, and download clips. Its flawless video coverage ensures there's no grainy or fuzzy footage and no unnecessary notifications, either.

The SimpliCam utilizes built-in algorithms that can detect the heat signature of humans, so it's able to tell the difference between the movement of a human or an insect flying around. SimpliSafe also takes your privacy very seriously; each SimpliCam comes with a stainless steel privacy shutter that only opens when you prompt it to.

SimpliSafe offers a three-year warranty from the original order date for all equipment and products purchased, including those purchased through retail partners. All SimpliSafe products and systems come with SimpliSafe's 100% satisfaction guarantee. Try out any of their systems risk-free for 60 days — if you aren't happy, the brand will give you a full refund and even pay for the return shipping. For monitoring services, there are no contracts and you're free to cancel at any time.

What sets SimpliSafe apart from other home security systems is not only their ease of installation but their wide variety of products and services. There are no contracts, no annual fees, and customers are welcome to either choose a pre-packaged bundle or create one entirely for themselves. With so many options to choose from and to help you stay within your budget, it's pretty clear that SimpliSafe truly lives up to its name by simply wanting to keep you and your home well, safe! So although SimpliSafe may not be the most robust security system available, its reliability and cost make it a solid option for most homeowners.